BC-SOC-Astori-Funeral, 5th Ld-Writethru, 563 Thousands gather for funeral of Fiorentina captain AstoriAP Photo XAP120, XAP110, XAP123, ALT119, xap104, XAP124, xap116, xap113, xap111, xap109, xap105, xap107, xap106, xap141, xap139Eds: Updates with more detail. The Bandiere degli Uffizi - the official flag-bearers of the city - represent the Florentine republic of the 16th century and are present at official events such as this, always dressed in traditional costume.

The Italy worldwide died in his sleep on Sunday at the age of 31 and the funeral was attended by thousands of fans, as well as representatives from all the clubs, in Florence today.

The funeral took place in the Basilica di Santa Croce, with his Fiorentina teammates among the first to arrive.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and his Juventus teammate Giorgio Chiellini were among the mourners having flow back from London where the Turin team dedicated their Champions League victory over Tottenham on Wednesday to Astori. In an interview after the match, Chiellini said: "We dedicate this win to him but not only this match".

There, a private service was held, with loudspeakers relaying the service, including eulogies by Astori's brother, Marco, and Fiorentina midfielder Milan Badelj, to those outside.

"I cry many times". He was a fantastic player.

"Dear Davide, I speak on behalf of my team-mates and the purple family: Your name in Hebrew means "beloved", and to see all those who are here today to show you affection, I believe this is really your name". You were a man with a capital M and we will tell her.

"It's very hard during the match because we have to think of the game and our opponents". You're not like others, you are football, the real one, the pure one of children. "You are the light for all of us".

And the player's funeral was just as emotional.

Balotelli and Astori previously played together for the Italy national team.

Fiorentina and Astori's former club Cagliari have said they will retire his number 13 shirt in his honour.